American Institute of Architects, Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern New Jersey, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, New Jersey Builders Association

Better Business Bureau, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, National Kitchen and Bath Association

Site Design Resources(212)764-2220
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Source: UPSCALE REMODELING MAGAZINE Publication date: January 1, 2006

By UPSCALE REMODELING Staff

With the current lifestyle trend toward “cocooning,” fireplaces — alluring because they're a strong visual focal point — are a design feature in high demand. Makers have responded with increased variety, new features, and customization options. Trims, temperature, even flame size can be carefully selected or changed on a whim. Optional remote controls are fast becoming must-haves for homeowners who want to enjoy their investment to the fullest.

Hot DÉcor

Fiery Hues tiles come in a wide range of colors and sizes designed specifically for fireplace installations. All the company's tiles are freeze- and thaw-resistant and are suitable for use both indoors and out. A number of trim styles, including rails, caps, and crowns, are also offered. Trikeenan. 603.355.2961. www.trikeenan.com.

Watered Down, Fired Up

The Aqueon hydrogen-burning fireplace extracts and burns hydrogen fuel from water, offering an alternative energy source that burns cleanly (eliminating the need for venting or a sealed glass front) with 100% efficiency, the maker says. Aqueon boasts a sculpture-like design with stainless steel and copper elements, along with a 360-degree view of the flame. It can be installed virtually anywhere that has water and electrical access. Heat-N-Glo. 888.427.3973. www.heatnglo.com.

Cleaning the fireplace should ideally come at a time when you do not expect to use it for a while, as in the warm summer months. Many people relish the task of cleaning out several months' worth of ash, soot, and smoke build-up. That being said, effectively cleaning a masonry fireplace and the lower part of your chimney and flue is not a particularly challenging or time-consuming task. It should not take much more than a few hours, putting it roughly on par with any other household cleaning task.